Original WWII German West Wall Medal with Suspension Ribbon and Issue Packet
An original Second World War German West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen), accompanied by its full-length suspension ribbon and paper issue packet.
This example displays an attractive bronze-colored finish with visible age-related patina. The medal retains clearly defined design details, while the accompanying golden-brown ribbon with white stripes appears well preserved.
The original issue packet bears the decoration's German designation on the front and a small rectangular printed marking on the reverse.
Historical Background
The West Wall Medal was instituted on August 2, 1939, to recognize individuals who participated in the construction of Germany's western defensive fortifications, commonly known as the West Wall or Siegfried Line.
The fortification system extended along Germany's western frontier and consisted of reinforced concrete bunkers, defensive positions, antitank obstacles, and supporting military infrastructure.
Construction was undertaken by military personnel, civilian laborers, and members of Organisation Todt, the organization responsible for many of Nazi Germany's large-scale military construction projects.
The medal was subsequently awarded for qualifying service associated with the defense of the West Wall during the later stages of the Second World War.
Medal Design
The obverse features a German national eagle above crossed military engineering implements and a representation of fortified defenses, surrounded by an oak-leaf wreath.
The reverse bears the inscription Für Arbeit zum Schutze Deutschlands, translating to "For Work in the Defense of Germany."
The medal is suspended from its distinctive golden-brown ribbon with white stripes.
Collector Significance
West Wall Medals remain a recognizable part of German Second World War decoration collecting. Examples accompanied by their paper issue packets are particularly appealing to collectors interested in the original presentation and distribution of wartime awards.
Item Details
Country: Germany
Period: Second World War
Decoration: West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen)
Instituted: August 2, 1939
Medal finish: Bronze-colored with age-related patina
Suspension ribbon: Included
Original issue packet: Included, with printed marking on reverse
Condition: Good collectible condition; see photographs
Included: Medal, suspension ribbon, and issue packet
Not included: Ribbon bar or buttonhole ribbon
Original WWII German West Wall Medal with Suspension Ribbon and Issue Packet
An original Second World War German West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen), accompanied by its full-length suspension ribbon and paper issue packet.
This example displays an attractive bronze-colored finish with visible age-related patina. The medal retains clearly defined design details, while the accompanying golden-brown ribbon with white stripes appears well preserved.
The original issue packet bears the decoration's German designation on the front and a small rectangular printed marking on the reverse.
Historical Background
The West Wall Medal was instituted on August 2, 1939, to recognize individuals who participated in the construction of Germany's western defensive fortifications, commonly known as the West Wall or Siegfried Line.
The fortification system extended along Germany's western frontier and consisted of reinforced concrete bunkers, defensive positions, antitank obstacles, and supporting military infrastructure.
Construction was undertaken by military personnel, civilian laborers, and members of Organisation Todt, the organization responsible for many of Nazi Germany's large-scale military construction projects.
The medal was subsequently awarded for qualifying service associated with the defense of the West Wall during the later stages of the Second World War.
Medal Design
The obverse features a German national eagle above crossed military engineering implements and a representation of fortified defenses, surrounded by an oak-leaf wreath.
The reverse bears the inscription Für Arbeit zum Schutze Deutschlands, translating to "For Work in the Defense of Germany."
The medal is suspended from its distinctive golden-brown ribbon with white stripes.
Collector Significance
West Wall Medals remain a recognizable part of German Second World War decoration collecting. Examples accompanied by their paper issue packets are particularly appealing to collectors interested in the original presentation and distribution of wartime awards.
Item Details
Country: Germany
Period: Second World War
Decoration: West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen)
Instituted: August 2, 1939
Medal finish: Bronze-colored with age-related patina
Suspension ribbon: Included
Original issue packet: Included, with printed marking on reverse
Condition: Good collectible condition; see photographs
Included: Medal, suspension ribbon, and issue packet
Not included: Ribbon bar or buttonhole ribbon
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